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Canadians have a propensity to spend their vacations at all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. They often don’t stray too far from the hotel pool or beach. Can you blame them? With so much winter to escape from, they become sunseekers. Cuba is a favourite sun destination of Canadians, and while its beaches are beautiful, there’s so much more to the country than sand and sea. Here are five other spots worth a visit:

1. Trinidad

There is no town in Cuba more picturesque than Trinidad. The colourful, cobblestoned destination near the north shores of the island is stunning. It’s also one of the best places in Cuba to mix with locals who are eager to chat with foreigners. There’s a lot to see and do, as well, from horse-riding to shopping, to climbing the cathedral towers for amazing views of the town and the surrounding hills.

2. Havana

How could a traveller visit Cuba without going to Havana? This city is one of the most interesting places on Earth. At times, visitors may feel like they’ve slipped into a time portal and landed 60 years in the past. On the streets of Havana, a mix of old Russian Ladas and beautifully maintained American classic cars drive by stunning colonial architecture and crumbling buildings. The people are also a constant source of beauty, as they always seem to have a smile and a beat of music from which to dance.

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3. Viñales

Up in the far west part of the island, Viñales and the limestone karst mountain features the most beautiful landscape in Cuba. Moreover, there are plenty of activities and attractions in town to keep visitors entertained — there’s a bar in a cave, bird watching, zip-lining, and tobacco farms.

4. Las Terrazas

When thinking of the natural side of Cuba, visitors might think of the beaches and hilly mountain landscape. What they might not realize is a place like Las Terrazas exists. This is Cuba’s first protected eco-resort. Once a poor town, the people here decided to preserve and restore the nature in the area to draw in tourists. Now, the lakes, waterfalls and pristine forests bring in visitors from around the world, and the prosperity of the town is growing.

5. Camaguey

Many cities in the world have been built for efficiency, but Camaguey has been built for inefficiency — on purpose. Pirates and privateers constantly attacked cities in Cuba, so in order to slow down invaders, a confusing mess of disorganized streets and maze-like urban design took shape. For a view of the wild street layout from above — and a mojito — visitors should head to the rooftop bar of the Grand Hotel.

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